As some of you know, I just got back from a weekend away in Sydney with a friend :) It was an action-packed, yet relaxing four days!!
On Saturday morning the weather was fantastic and we walked across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There were some fantastic views to be had from all directions!! We wandered around on the other side, checking out the city, relaxing and just enjoying the 30 degree weather (it's been a year since my body has experienced that kind of heat). We walked back over, checked out Circular Quay, watched some buskers, listened to a native playing a diggery doo (a wooden instrument that's been hollowed out). The whole quay has a similar feel as Queen's Quay in summer, yet more relaxed. We strolled down to the Opera House however the weather turned cold and so we didn't stay out long. Saturday night, we headed over to Manly by ferry for dinner with a contact that Carol hooked me up with (Thanks Carol - we had a great time out with Belinda and her friends). I had the best ostrich ever and then we headed to a local bar to watch Australia vs England (England won) and have a few drinks!! It was a great time though most Aussies were a bit surly at having lost to the U.K.
We went to Darling Harbour and the Chinese Gardens on Sunday for a bit. There was a fantastic photo exhibit in the harbour about environmental impacts, etc.. that was educational and beautiful at the same time. From there, we headed over to Bondi beach for a wander along the ocean. The weather was pretty crap but we did a great walk along the coast from Bondi to somewhere near Bronte (it started raining so we turned around). We met up with my friend's cousin for dinner and drinks somewhere around King's Cross.
Monday involved a trip over to Taronga zoo, which I can actually say that I enjoyed more than the last time I was at Toronto Zoo. The animals seemed a little closer and they had lots of local animals which I've never spent much time observing when I've been to our zoo. In addition, the views of the city from the zoo itself were fantastic. We had an absolutely crap dinner at an Italian place near our hotel and then met up with a former colleague of my friend's at a really cool bar. We had a couple of drinks, they talked shop a bit and I just chilled.
On Tuesday we went back to Bondi as I wanted to see it when it was pretty and blue. I wandered the beach and finally got up enough courage to go into the ocean - it was surprisingly warm once you got used to it (Anthony, it didn't compare at all to my dip in Superior that late August day!!) My casper white body had a quick dip, I lounged in the sun for a bit, we had fish and chips by the sea and then hurried back to the CBD as I wanted to take some photos of the Opera House when the sky was bluer and sunny.
It was a great weekend away and I got to see many of the main tourist attractions however I think the best part was how I felt when I came home; rested, relaxed and content...holidays are great ;) I'm gonna try and post some photos tonight or tomorrow night on Flickr for those who are interested in having a look-see at http://www.flickr.com/photos/decouvert2001/
Hugs to you all :)
S
BTW - For anyone who noticed, I did say "home" when referring to Melbourne. It's nice to know that I'm feeling settled enough that I feel like I'm coming home. That said, not to worry, it doesn't mean that I've decided to stay, just that I'm comfy here ;)
P.S. Rachel - Thanks a bunch again for sending the book - it really came in handy and had some great comments from Dean!!
